Bashemath is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament as one of the wives of Esau, the son of Isaac and Rebekah. Her account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where she is noted for her marriage to Esau, which had significant implications for the patriarchal family dynamics.

Lineage and Marriage:

Bashemath is identified as the daughter of Elon the Hittite. Her marriage to Esau is recorded in Genesis 26:34: "When Esau was forty years old, he took as wives Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Basemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite." This union is significant as it highlights Esau's choice to marry outside of his family's lineage, which was a source of grief to his parents, Isaac and Rebekah. Genesis 26:35 states, "And they brought grief to Isaac and Rebekah."

Name Variations and Identity:

The name Bashemath appears with variations in different parts of the biblical text, leading to some confusion about her identity. In Genesis 36:2-3, Esau's wives are listed, and Bashemath is mentioned as the daughter of Ishmael, sister of Nebaioth. This has led to scholarly discussions about whether Bashemath and Mahalath, another wife of Esau mentioned in Genesis 28:9, are the same person or if there are textual discrepancies. The Berean Standard Bible reflects these variations, and some interpretations suggest that Esau may have had multiple wives with similar names or that the names were used interchangeably.

Cultural and Familial Impact:

Esau's marriage to Bashemath, along with his other Hittite wives, is often viewed within the biblical narrative as a departure from the covenantal line that Abraham's descendants were to maintain. The Hittites were part of the Canaanite tribes, and intermarriage with them was discouraged due to their differing religious practices and potential to lead the Israelites away from worshiping Yahweh. This is underscored by Rebekah's lament in Genesis 27:46, where she expresses her distress over Esau's choice of wives: "I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Heth. If Jacob takes a wife from the daughters of Heth, like these, from the daughters of the land, what good will my life be to me?"

Legacy:

Bashemath's role in the biblical narrative is primarily tied to her marriage to Esau and the resulting familial tensions. Her account serves as a backdrop to the larger themes of covenant, obedience, and the challenges of maintaining faithfulness to God's promises amidst cultural pressures. While not much is detailed about her personal life or character, Bashemath's inclusion in the genealogical records of Esau's descendants in Genesis 36 underscores her place in the lineage of the Edomites, a nation that would later have significant interactions with the Israelites.

In summary, Bashemath's marriage to Esau is a pivotal moment that reflects the complexities of family, faith, and cultural identity in the biblical narrative. Her account is a reminder of the importance of covenantal faithfulness and the impact of personal choices on the broader community.Genesis 26:34
And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite:
Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 36:3,4,10,13,17
And Bashemath Ishmael's daughter, sister of Nebajoth.
Nave's Topical Index

1315. Basemath -- "perfume," a wife of Esau (or perhaps two wives ...
... Feminine of besem (the second form); fragrance; Bosmath, the name of a wife of Esau,
and of a daughter of Solomon -- Bashemath, Basmath. see HEBREW besem. ...
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